Jury Duty?
Yes, I do have to report. Check in time is at 8:15. We’re advised not to park in a two-hour space because we most certainly will be there more than two hours. Bring something to read or work on, the recorded message said, and best bring along a sweater because it’s usually cold.
I was juror number 253, and the highest number called was 253. Number 254 and beyond were released as having performed their duty for 2010. Am I lucky or what?
A Couple of New (or Sorta New) Blogs
I’d like to introduce you to Chiseled in Rock, the blog of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, run by Dave Jackson and Cynthia Richards. Here you’ll find posts on writing, rejection, agents, conferences, and getting published.
Jenny, a member of Northern Colorado Writers, has started a blog project designed to lift her out of her rut by finding new things to do in Fort Collins, Colorado. She’ll be reporting on her adventures each Wednesday. Her blog is called Choice City Native.
What I’m Reading
I finally picked up Karen Walker’s memoir, Following the Whispers. I’d put off reading this book for a long time because I already knew a little of Karen’s story from her blog. As a mom, and as a long ago kid, I find it tough to think of the traumas some children must endure at an early age and how it impacts their lives forever. Karen’s memoir is poignant and sad, but her determination to survive and overcome the obstacles she encounters is a compelling story. She’s an excellent writer with a tight, clear voice. I’m having a tough time putting the book down so I can get my other work done.
Tomorrow’s Guest Blogger
My most excellent guest tomorrow is Margot Kinberg, mystery novelist and blogger extraordinaire at Confessions of a Mystery Novelist. You won’t want to miss Margot’s story.
Karen’s memoir is already on my desk, waiting for me to finish “Blest Atheist” by Mahlou: http://emahlou.blogspot.com/
Two encouraging stories of overcoming childhood trauma. Two amazing bloggers I am proud to follow.
Doris
Last time I went to jury duty it was at the Compton, CA courthouse. I was quite surprised at the extensive library of books and magazines they had. Only problem is you probably would get a chance to finish if you started one of the books.
Lee
Tossing It Out
Jury service sounds ace! I hope you get a horrible murder case to solve.
Glad you’re excited about your writing time at the courthouse.
I left the house at 7:30 AM and was back home by 11:00 AM. Once again, I flunked voir dire. Darn.
Anyway, I’m back at my desk doing writerly things the rest of the day, unless I sneak away for a short nap. I found the voir dire session exhausting. 🙂
Good luck with your Jury service, will look forward to you guest this week.
Take care.
Yvonne.
I always enjoyed getting my jury summons–what writing fodder! I only wish I’d made it through more cases. Too many times, the defendants would decide to settle when they saw the potential jurors file into the courtroom. Don’t know what it’ll be like or how long it’ll take me to hit the rotation here.
Terry
Terry’s Place
Romance with a Twist–of Mystery
Hi there,
Good luck with the jury duty. Perhaps some of this experience will land in your next book.
Thank you so much for the shout out about my memoir. It means a lot coming from a writer I respect very much.
Karen
Patricia – Thanks so much for the mention *blush*. I’m very excited about my visit, and can’t wait to finish packing and catch my flight to Colorado ; ). I’m glad you got a miss on jury duty, although I do think that can be interesting.
Also, thanks for the glimpse into what you’re reading. I always love learning from what other people read.
Great links, great guest bloggers, can’t wait!
CD
Good luck with jury duty! Maybe it will give you ideas for future plots or characters.
And thanks for mentioning my blog! I think it will be a lot of fun.